IHC reserves verdict on plea against validity of presidential ordinance extending physical remand in NAB cases

The Islamabad High Court has reserved its decision on a legal challenge regarding a presidential ordinance that extended the maximum physical remand period in National Accountability Bureau (NAB) cases from 14 days to 40 days, introduced in 2024. Petitioner Najiullah's counsel, Azhar Siddique, argued that the president exceeded his constitutional authority by altering a parliamentary decision that reduced the maximum physical remand period from 90 days to 14 days.

Siddique contended that the president's power to promulgate ordinances is not absolute and must adhere to the limits set by the Constitution. He also highlighted that the ordinance was not approved by the assembly, indicating a lack of parliamentary support. Deputy Attorney General Mian Faisal Irfan argued that the ordinance had already expired and urged the court to dismiss the petition, maintaining that the petitioner was not an aggrieved party.